September 20

Jesus looked at him and loved him”. Mark 10:21(a) (ISV)

When Jesus looks at us, it is with the eyes of redemption, love, and understanding. Knowing what we need before we ask. Knowing what hurts and exactly what will help. Beloved one, you will never look into the eyes of another human being that Jesus, full of truth and grace, does not fully love. And this most definitely, and most assuredly, includes you! 
 
Look, cherished one, at yourself today, with kindness and compassion, with tenderness and care.  See yourself as He sees you—bubbling over with beauty and grace; accepted in perfection; loved, pure and true.  Fully ransomed from sins scars, fully restored, forgiven, and completely redeemed. Look with compassion and tender care upon yourself, beloved, and look with compassion on others too. 

Then remember—His unending and unconditional love—faithful and true—is always looking out for, and looking after, you! 

 Prayer:

Jesus, I confess that I can be my own harshest critic, looking at myself with little compassion or grace. Expecting more from myself than You ever will, disappointed in how often I fail You, fail myself, and fail others too. And in my own pain, that can spill over, blurring my vision of circumstances and people, seeming them through my own lens of brokenness and pain.

But that is never true for You! Thank You for loving me, perfectly, and completely as You do. Teach me to love in this same compassionate way—for myself and others too!

One glance from You changes everything, Jesus. You see what others cannot see. You see me whole, cleansed by Your Blood, the work of Your Father, and His original and unique design.
 
Help me to see as You see. Help me to be all I was created me to be.  With all my heart I thank You that because of Your great love and sacrifice I am completely accepted in the Beloved, wonderfully made, radically redeemed, wholly restored, and free!

In Your powerful and precious Name, I pray.